Photo By Maj. Alun Thomas | Sarah Dugan (right), and Staff Sgt. Anderson Tejada (left), recruiter, Prescott...... read more read more
PRESCOTT VALLEY, Ariz. – A simple phone call was all the spark needed for Sarah Dugan to change her life.
At the age of 29, Dugan had yet to find a true path, married with two children and finding her ambitions not fully realized. This caused her to question her future – time was running out to find a purpose and make her mark in life.
Then in Nov. 2018, she received a phone call from Prescott Recruiting Station, asking her if she would be interested in opportunities with the U.S. Army.
Dugan said she was.
Just 3 months later she had enlisted in the Army, signing up to become an infantryman and attend Airborne School, the first female in Northern Arizona to select the 11B military occupational specialty.
For Dugan the path to the Army had been a long one. A native of Little Rock, Ark., Dugan moved around the country frequently as a youngster with her single mother.
"When my parents divorced I moved to Maine with my mother, where she was originally from,” Dugan said. “Things could be challenging in a single-parent household, but we managed to get by.”
Things got more challenging for Dugan however, when she found herself pregnant at the age of 16, before getting married and dropping out of high school.
“I had to grow up pretty quickly … everything was coming at me fast,” Dugan said. “I didn’t let it define my life though and I tried to stay positive. I knew I could still go on to achieve significant things in my life.”
Eventually Dugan got divorced and moved to Prescott, hoping to jumpstart her life. She ended up meeting her current husband Nathan, with whom she had a daughter, Ava, 9, in addition to her son, Michael, 12.
“My husband helped me get back on the right track and was very supportive,” Dugan said. “He encouraged me to go back to school and do everything I needed to for my education.”
Dugan did just that, obtaining her high school diploma and attending beauty school, before suffering another setback.
“The beauty school closed down, so I didn’t get to finish my degree there which was very disappointing,” she said. “I had spent a lot of time and money doing that.”
Dugan started taking classes at Yavapai College in Prescott Valley for a nursing degree, when she received a call from Staff Sgt. Anderson Tejada, recruiter, Prescott Recruiting Station, Phoenix North Recruiting Company.
“He had gotten my number from a list and called me to discuss the Army. I told him I was a little old at 29 and had two kids, but he said that’s ok, there’s plenty of opportunities for you,” Dugan said. “He explained the benefits, including the G.I. Bill, paid college tuition and medical coverage. I told him I was interested and would come in to talk.”
Upon meeting Tejada, he gave Dugan an idea of the 150 job choices the Army offers. Dugan said she wanted a job with some type of action and challenge, initially focusing on medical fields.
Eventually though she zeroed in on infantry and airborne, deciding to challenge herself in the most punishing manner.
“Everything about the infantry appeals to me … the history behind it, the teamwork, but most of all the challenge,” she continued. “I know it will push me, but I’m making sure I’m prepared.
With a ship date of March 23 to Basic Combat Training at Fort Benning, Ga., Dugan said she is getting nervous anticipating the 22 week course, but receiving lots of support from her family.
“They’re behind me every step of the way and fully support my decision to enlist,” Dugan said. “I’ve been working out every day to get into shape and my sons are always there cheering me on.”
Observing Dugan’s progress is Sgt. 1st Class Matt Vinson, station commander, Prescott Recruiting Station, who said she has made significant strides in her preparation.
“I have definitely seen Sarah improve her physical abilities since she first came to the station last November,” he said. “She’s aware of the challenges she’s about to face and is doing her best to be ready.”
Vinson, also an infantryman, said nobody at the recruiting station put the idea of combat arms into Dugan’s head, it was something she decided on herself.
“She wanted to do the most demanding thing possible, so decided on infantry and Airborne School. No other female in Northern Arizona has enlisted for this until Sarah,” he said.
Weekly Future Soldier training has helped Dugan get an idea of what to expect at basic training and Airborne School.
“The recruiters have been really helpful putting a plan together to get me into physical and mental shape,” she said. “I’ve never lifted weights in my life or ran much before, so they’re helping me get to where I need to be.”
Dugan said more than anything, she wants to prove to herself she can be successful and overcome the hurdles at basic training.
“I’m happy to be an inspiration for other women who decide to do this, but I’m determined to do it for myself,” Dugan said. “I want to prove it can be done and the hard work will pay off.”
| Date Taken: | 01.31.2020 |
| Date Posted: | 01.31.2020 14:45 |
| Story ID: | 361363 |
| Location: | PRESCOTT VALLEY, AZ, US |
| Hometown: | LITTLE ROCK, AR, US |
| Web Views: | 184 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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